Genesis ‘New York Concept’ to debut in the big Apple

Genesis will reveal its aptly named ‘New York Concept’ in NY.

The luxury division of Hyundai motors will reveal its ‘ideas of refined design’. A teaser image released ahead of the unveiling hints at the ’athletic elegance’ of the four-door sports saloon, expressing the design direction that will distinguish forthcoming Genesis products.

Manfred Fitzgerald, head of Genesis brand, said: “The New York Concept is a progressive concept car that showcases the design quality of the brand. With its expressive volumes and refined design, the New York Concept truly embodies the athletic elegance, which characterises Genesis products.”

The New York Concept will be unveiled at the Genesis Press Conference March 23. The New York Auto Show is open to the public from March 25 - April 3.

Volvo S90 and V90 pricing confirmed

Volvo has confirmed pricing for its S90 and V90.

Available to order now, on-the-road prices start at £32,555 for the S90 saloon and £34,555 for the V90 estate.
 
Like the XC90 before them, both feature the new face of Volvo including the T-shaped LED headlights, as well as being the latest models to be built on Volvo’s all-new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform.
 
Both models will initially be available with a choice of two 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engines - the D4 and the D5 PowerPulse – and in two trim levels, Momentum and Inscription. The front-wheel-drive 190 hp D4 comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and offers combined fuel consumption of 64.2 mpg and CO2 emissions of 116 g/km in the S90. In the V90, these figures are 62.8 mpg and 119 g/km.
 
The 235 hp D5 utilises Volvo’s PowerPulse to boost responsiveness. This uses compressed air, which is stored in a tank in the engine bay and refilled automatically to spool up the turbo at low revs, helping overcome turbo lag. To 'harness the engine’s power', the D5 PowerPulse comes with all-wheel drive while an eight-speed automatic gearbox is also standard.
 
Every version of the S90 and V90 is ‘luxuriously equipped’ says Volvo. As standard, entry-level Momentum cars come with leather upholstery, LED headlights with active high beam, two-zone climate control with ‘CleanZone’ air-filtration system, keyless engine starting and heated front seats.
 
Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system is also standard. This brings a 9” touch screen, satellite navigation (including lifetime annual map updates), voice-control and access to the internet and a range of cloud-based apps. The S90 gets a powered bootlid while the V90 benefits from a powered tailgate.
 
Pilot Assist, Volvo’s semi-autonomous drive feature, is standard on every S90 and V90. It automatically keeps you at a set speed or distance from the vehicle in front, braking and accelerating with the flow of traffic, and gives gentle steering inputs to keep the car within lane markings at motorway speeds up to 80 mph. Unlike previous versions of the system, it no longer needs to follow another car.
 
The latest version of City Safety is also fitted to every S90 and V90. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and the world-first application of large-animal detection.
 
Moving up to the Inscription model adds Nappa soft leather upholstery, powered front seats, a 12.3” active TFT driver’s information display (Momentum cars get an 8” version), 18” diamond-cut/silver alloy wheels, keyless entry and handsfree boot/tailgate opening and closing. Additional premium touches include walnut interior inlays, rear footwell and side step illumination, and chrome exterior details.
 
The optional Xenium package is available across the range and adds a powered tilt and slide glass sunroof (panoramic in the V90), a parking camera system with 360 degree surround view, and Park Assist Pilot, which includes automatic parallel and 90 degree parking.
 
Both models are available to order now, with the first S90 customer deliveries expected in September and the first V90s in October.

Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC revealed

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the E 43 4MATIC saloon.

The most powerful variant of the executive saloon is driven by a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine with two new turbochargers. The supercharged six-cylinder engine delivers 401 bhp for a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. A 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is specially matched to the requirements of the new E 43 4MATIC with paddles on the steering wheel. A double-declutching function in "Sport" and "Sport Plus" transmission modes makes for an a ‘even more emotional driving experience’. 

'Defined ignition intervention' additionally enables faster gear shifting than in "Eco" and "Comfort" modes, while "Manual" mode can be selected using a separate button in the centre console. Meanwhile, the retuned sports suspension based on the AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension and the more direct steering ratio also provide a ‘signature’ AMG Driving Performance. The Adaptive Damping System sports suspension features in a model-specific configuration and offers a choice of three modes - "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport Plus".

The standard-spec AMG Performance 4MATIC four-wheel drive combines ‘optimum traction with high agility’ thanks to rear-biased torque distribution.

AMG styling includes three large openings in the front apron to ensure an optimum flow of air to the coolers while the diamond grille with chromed pins, a louvre in high-gloss black and the AMG lettering represent further hallmarks of the AMG 43 models. The side view is dominated by high-sheen 19-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black while at the rear, two chrome-plated quad-flow exhaust tailpipes conveying a sporty aesthetic. The rear diffusor comes in silver chrome, while the standard-spec spoiler lip on the boot lid is painted in the body colour.

Inside, a secure position in the sports seats even when driving at speed features improved lateral support. The upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre in black (optionally: nappa leather) features red topstitching. To match the seat design, the door centre panels and the dashboard are finished in ARTICO man-made leather with red topstitching. Exclusive pedals, a black roof lining and red seat belts add further sporty highlights.

The multifunction sports steering wheel in black nappa leather with red contrasting topstitching and featuring a flattened bottom section is matched by the AMG instrument cluster - delivering all relevant information in a clearly arranged layout, optimised for a dynamic driving style. Two tube-style round dials, the multifunction colour display, the RACETIMER and the 280 km/h scale in chequered-flag design conjure up a sports car feel.

The new Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC will debut at the New York Auto Show in March 2016, before hitting showrooms in September 2016.

Jaguar team up with skier Graham Bell for Record attempt

Jaguar and Olympic skier Graham Bell have teamed up to try and break a Guinness World Record.

The technical partnership is aimed at setting the World Record for the fastest man on skiis in 2017. Bell, now a TV presenter on the TV show ‘The Jump’, hopes to achieve the record with the support of Jaguar Land Rover engineers, facilities and expertise in aerodynamics.

Working with Jaguar to develop a unique ski suit and harness containing twin micro jets, he hopes to reach speeds of over 160mph – setting a new World Record. He has already begun training for the record by ski-joring behind a Jaguar XE AWD at over 100mph in the Austrian Alps.

Graham Bell said “I approached Jaguar to become my lead technical partner due to their experience in aerodynamics and love of all things involving speed. As lead technical partner in the attempt, Jaguar will provide the aerodynamic expertise to develop the Iron-Man-style suit I need, as well as helping me acclimatise to speed and external forces using high performance vehicles including the Jaguar XE AWD - designed to provide maximum traction in adverse conditions including snow and ice.”

Ian Anderton, thermal and aerodynamics manager, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “As engineering challenges go it doesn’t get more unique than this, so the next few months are going to be very exciting. We kick-started the technical partnership by ski-joring with a Jaguar XE AWD to determine what factors should to be taken into consideration when designing his suit, such as wind, skiing position and chill – especially in minus conditions.”

The Jaguar XE has been optimised for 'ultimate aerodynamic efficiency and stability'. It is the the only car in its class to use an aluminium-intensive body structure, making it the lightest, stiffest and most aerodynamic Jaguar yet. The XE AWD enhances vehicle dynamics and provides greater traction in intense weather conditions.

The record attempt will take place at Jaguar’s cold weather testing facility in Sweden in early 2017. Although there is no comparable record, the current World Downhill Speed Skiing World Record is currently held by Simone Oregone at 156mph.

Volvo to launch cars without keys

Volvo has revealed plans to become the world’s first automotive manufacturer to offer cars without keys.

From 2017 Volvo customers will be offered a smartphone app to replace the physical key with a digital key. The Bluetooth-enabled digital key technology will offer more flexibility, and will enable owners to benefit from entirely new way to use and share cars.

The new Volvo app enables the digital key on the customer’s mobile phone to do everything a physical key currently does, such as locking or unlocking the doors or the boot and allowing the engine to be started. This new technology will also offer customers the possibility to receive more than one digital key on their app, allowing them to access different Volvo cars in different locations – ‘according to their changing mobility needs’. Owners will be able to send their digital key to other people via their mobile phones so they can also use the car. This may be to family members, friends or co-workers in a company.

Using the app, people could potentially book and pay for a rental car anywhere in the world and have the digital car key delivered to their phone immediately. On arrival, a customer could simply locate the rental car via GPS, unlock it and drive away, avoiding the queues at car rental desks.

Volvo will pilot this technology in spring 2016 via its car-sharing firm Sunfleet, stationed at Gothenburg airport, Sweden. A limited number of commercially available cars will be equipped with the new digital key technology in 2017, while the Swedish brand is also keen to stress physical keys will continue to be offered for people who want them.

The keyless car technology will be shown for the first time at the Mobile World Congress 2016 (22-25 February) in Barcelona.